FRANK’S JAZZ CLUB: SETTING THE STANDARD FOR ROMANCE AND ELEGANCE IN SECONDLIFE – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Men in Tuxedos.  Women dressed in all their finery.  Couples gliding effortlessly across acres of dance floor. On the stage…some of the finest entertainers, vocalists, and instrumentalists available anywhere on the grid.  Is this a Dream? 

Close.  Really Close. You found yourself at the iconic “Frank’s Jazz”. Often imitated. Elegance in Pixels,  Franks has been a staple in SecondLife almost since the first days of the SecondLife Grid.

The other night I happened to pop into Frank’s while Mikael Grantly was tickling the ivories.  Over in the corner, I saw the owners, Frank and William, conferring about their next event.  I introduced myself, and they both graciously agreed to chat with me for a few minutes.

Thomas1 Bellic (Josh) (JB):  What were your impressions the first time you visited Franks? 

MrSinatraFrank (Frank):  Whoa... Look at all these people!

William Batson (William): Laughs, yeah, we're gonna need a bigger boat, Frank!    First impression every time I rezz is honestly a big smile that after all these years how many people just come, hang out, chat and have a few laughs with friends or meet someone new.  Such a great thing to see, especially in these turbulent times.

JB:  I thought Franks closed up shop when Nancee left?  How is it that we are fortunate enough to have Frank's Jazz back with us today?

William:  Frank's Jazz is owned and operated by MrSinatraFrank (Frank) & William Batson formerly Gymmy Sinatra, the original founder, creator and owner of Frank's Jazz in Second Life.  The vision and purpose of Frank's Jazz in Second Life has never changed from day one - That is to create a fun, welcoming environment for all to enjoy, explore, share and above all be able to leave with a smile and enjoy a little escape of their own with other great people.

As with all things in life, change is constant and we do wish Nanceee all the best in her journey in the next chapters in life, however, the story here has not been written for many and Frank's will be apart of their story too!

Frank & William partnered up on the Frank's Jazz sims to be a part of and ensure the experience of Frank's Jazz that has touched so many over the years remains a part of those who wish it to be.

JB:  Tell us about your support staff here?  Who does it take to keep Franks humming?

Frank:  You're only as good as the team you surround yourself with.  Will and I might get credit because we pay the tier fees, but it truly is 100% our incredible team who dedicate so much to bring the place to life and make magic for so many who come to Frank's to enjoy.   We truly are blessed to have assembled such an amazing and talented group of entertainers, hosts and managers all working together to create the Frank's magic.

JB:  How has Franks survived after countless Ballrooms in SL have failed in the past.  What is the "Franks Difference"?

William:  I would have to agree with Frank and add to it by saying the Frank's difference as you call it has always been the talented and dedicated men and women past and present who have put so much into making Frank's such a special part of the SL landscape.  What makes Frank's Jazz?  Easy: The people do! Those who bring it to life and those who call it home.

JB:  "Banned at Franks" used to be a label worn with pride by some ladies here, even for the smallest infractions in attire.  How have you dealt with these issues under your management?

Frank:  This one is truly legendary and honestly a bit funny to look back on.  Did Frank's get a bit over the top with the fashion police - you bet! However, instead of working out well, it grew a life of its own and people came often trying to push every limit until this became an SL sport and badge of honor if you were "banned from Frank's".  Today, we're all grown-ups and everyone knows to dress nice  and cover the bits when going to a dress-up place in SL - it's not complicated :)   It's very rare for someone to be dis-invited or unwelcome at Frank's and 100% of the time it will be because they came wanting this outcome and not simply for a wardrobe malfunction!  We truly work hard to find a way to include everyone who wants to be a part of Frank's in all we have to offer.

JB:  Just how popular is Franks, anyway.  What sort of traffic will you have here in a typical month?

William:  Frank's Jazz is in operation 24/7 providing music, entertainment, DJs, dancing plus a fun and engaging environment to people from over 123 countries around the world with busy times and increases in traffic depending on time of day in those parts of the world as well as various holidays and events in those countries.  There is always traffic and a fun experience to be shared at Frank's jazz.

JB:  You seem to have made the crossover, catering to both European and American Audiences.  When are your busiest times of day?

Frank:  Difficult question.  I think it depends.  It's always busy in the evening, after work and dinner, people are relaxing and enjoying some time online.  However, Frank's is popular all over the world, so it is evening always somewhere!  Evening in Europe is busy which is mid-day SLT Like evening in Asia and the Pacific/Australia.  In SL time, this makes our busiest time of day always :)   This only makes the experience of Frank's Jazz more fun and engaging for all to be able to meet and socialize with so many from all over.

JB:  Who is your target audience for Franks?

William:   Although SL has grown and changed much over the last 15+ years of Frank's Jazz our target audience hasn't changed much and is the same as our goals here in SL.   Frank's Jazz has always been for like-minded people from all corners of the world, looking for an up-scale, world-class experience, a nice time with friends, or social experience with others to meet, share and interact in a place of comfort, fun, and style.   Every time everyone gets it right, there's nothing like it and we all log out smiling.

JB:  What do you see in Frank’s future?  Any plans for expansion?  Or opening multiple clubs?   What is the future of Franks?

William:  Frank's Jazz has always had a life of its own and it's apparent by any grid search how many places out there want to be Frank's, it's flattering actually and does make our entire team smile every time we see it.    Where we go next always depends on the wonderful people who support our endeavor to create a fun, engaging, and wonderful place to escape here in SL.  We have no desire to be the region tycoons or SL celebrities - that's small-minded thinking.  Sure, we made the decision to build it for all to enjoy but most understand it's definitely not free, Linden Labs never was a charitable institution :)  So as long as we have the support and goodwill of the people who together make Frank's life, then we are 'all-in' to keep on providing the very best experience on the grid for those who wish to be a part of it.

JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers.

Frank:  Thank you so much for taking the time and interest in sharing a small piece of the Frank's Jazz story and thank you to your readers for taking the time to read about us. We hope you take away a little bit of our history with you and if you haven't already, decide to join us and be a part of writing all the many chapters yet to be written.  We are confident your story is in there too and just waiting to be told.

So, there you have it, folks.  If you haven’t visited Franks in the last few weeks, you’ve been away too long.  Grab your sweetheart and head on over to the incomparable Franks Jazz.  

Be there!.  Aloha.

You’ll be glad you did

JB

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Franks%20Jazz/102/122/22